Seriously, I am starting to get my dander up over name calling, bullying, casting aspersions, public shaming, defamation of character, and general hate and mis-content. From social media posts and tweets, to neighborhood online bulletin boards, to television and newsprint reporting. In an age when communication is lightening fast, and the appetite for instant gratification to feed our own egos has become gluttonous. It seems fact checking and kindness have gone by the wayside.Saturday, August 5, 2017

Even though the dog days of summer has just settled in, we are moving oh so quickly into another tempo of living. It seems that these hot long summer days are going to bump up against the frenetic pace of the school calendar. This time of year parents, children, teachers, lunch ladies and public safety people are gearing up for the start of the new school year.Saturday, July 29, 2017

There are some days, weeks or even seasons we go through that are just rough to the soul. This summer has been one of those summers for me. My heightened awareness of injustices in the world, coupled with personal tragedies, and self induced stressors have piled up to the point of my needing some balm for my spirit.Saturday, July 15, 2017

Sometimes I hear people say that they are not good prayers. Admittedly, I have found myself thinking the same about my abilities. There are times when the "right" words are difficult to find.Saturday, July 8, 2017

On the front page of many local newspapers, there is the tradition of having a bit of scripture posted in one of the corners. The Times changes their bit of Bible verse daily, while the Indianapolis Star uses the same verse each day, from 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."Saturday, July 1, 2017

Summer is my favorite time of year. The church calendar claims it as, "Ordinary Time," and the Godly Play people call it the, "Great Green Growing Time." In liturgical churches the color of the season is green. And you may see your church's paraments, (altar cloths and banners) displaying flowers, vines and trees splashed across a green background. The color green symbolizes growth, health, and abundance.Saturday, June 24, 2017

It is a spiritual practice that has finally been given a name, holding space, or in simpler terms, "listening." For some people it is difficult to do, others find it extremely uncomfortable. Holding space is a pause, being comfortable with letting someone just be who they are.Saturday, June 17, 2017

There are a couple of great memes out there that portray the descriptions of, "What Pastors Do." The photo is typically divided up into six sections. This particular meme made it around, with fervor, in my pastor peer group because it definitely hit at a truth that, "What Pastors Do" is not only misunderstood but also misinterpreted and ultimately difficult to articulate in a simple job description. The job description also varies from denominational, cultural and congregational boundaries.Saturday, June 10, 2017

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower . . . Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."Saturday, May 27, 2017